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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
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A 3D Spheroid Model for Glioblastoma
Published on: April 9, 2020
Reproducible 3D Glioblastoma Migration Assay with Magnetic Nanoparticle Mediated Spheroid Localization Under Hypoxic
Niamh M Scully1, Brenton L Cavanagh2, Jochen H M Prehn1
1Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|June 1, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a 3D assay using magnetic nanoparticles to track patient-derived glioblastoma (GBM) cells. The method allows for precise imaging and comparison of GBM cell migration and invasion in newly diagnosed versus recurrent tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis.
- Understanding GBM cell migration and invasion is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Current assays may not fully replicate the complex tumor microenvironment and hypoxic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a reproducible 3D migration assay for patient-derived glioblastoma gliomaspheres.
- To model GBM cell migratory and invasive potential under clinically relevant hypoxic conditions.
- To enable direct comparison of GBM cell behavior between newly diagnosed and recurrent tumors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized patient-derived glioblastoma gliomaspheres.
- Co-cultured gliomaspheres with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on an extracellular matrix.
- Employed a magnetic plate holder for centralized localization and precise imaging.
- Compatible with live cell imaging and multiplexed analysis.
Main Results:
- Established a reproducible 3D assay for studying glioblastoma cell migration.
- Demonstrated precise, localized imaging of individual patient-derived gliomaspheres.
- Optimized automated image processing by reducing positional variability.
- Facilitated comparison of migratory and invasive potential between newly diagnosed and recurrent GBM.
Conclusions:
- The developed assay provides a physiologically relevant microenvironment for studying glioblastoma.
- This scalable platform supports preclinical investigation of glioblastoma migration, invasion, and therapeutic response.
- The assay enables detailed study and comparison of GBM behavior from patient tumors.
